Keep these tips in mind for the plants around your home. Spacing between plants is critical to slowing the spread of fire and protecting your home from wildfire.
Horizontal spacing:
● It is ideal to remove all plants within 5 feet of structures.
● Plant density can increase the further away from structures you get.
● Separate groups of plants with hardscaping to help slow down or prevent the spread of fire.
● On a mild slope (0-20% slope), space trees at least 10 feet apart from their dripline and space shrubs 2x their height from each other.
● On a medium slope (20-40%), space trees at least 20 feet apart and shrubs 4x their height.
● On a steep slope (over 40%), space trees at least 30 feet apart and shrubs 6x their height.
● Avoid planting trees in rows or hedges.
![](https://firesafemarin.org/wp-content/smush-webp/Screenshot-2023-11-06-at-7.42.53-AM-516x514.png.webp)
Vertical spacing:
● Remove tree branches that are within 6 feet from the ground on trees that are 18 feet or taller.
● If shrubs are under a tree, maintain a vertical clearance of 3x the shrub’s height between the top of the shrub to the lowest branch of the tree.
● When creating vertical space under trees, prioritize the tree’s health by ensuring that the upper two-thirds of the tree has branches.
![](https://firesafemarin.org/wp-content/smush-webp/November-2023-Tips-Vertical-Spacing.jpg.webp)
For more information visit the Marin Master Gardeners website.